Composite support system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a composite support system comprising a body garment and a brassiere portion. The body garment has an upper edge along which is provided one, or more than one first fastener. The brassiere portion has at least a bra base, two breast supporting cups each with a lower edge, and one, or more than one second fastener along the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, along the bra base, or any combination thereof. The second fastener is complementary to the first fastener. The complementary joining of the one, or more than one first and second fasteners reversibly attaches the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, the bra base, or a combination thereof, of the brassiere portion to the upper edge of the body garment.

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 11/044,338,filed Jan. 27, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

The present invention relates to a composite support system. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a composite supportsystem having improved versatility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The undergarment industry has expended considerable energy in producingundergarments for women that shape and support the body. Of the types ofsupport garments known in the art are brassieres, girdles, panty girdlesand the like. In order to provide maximal support and shaping to thefemale body various composite undergarments have been developed.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,156 (Steinberger) discloses a combinedmidriff covering brassiere and lower torso covering corselet. Thecorselet is a girdle-type corselet and is detachably joined to thebrassiere at the front by a zipper fastener while remaining unattachedat the back. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,714 (Steinberger) teaches acombined brassiere and panty girdle or slip. The brassiere and pantygirdle or slip is detachably connected at the front by a zipperassembly, but remains unattached at the back. The brassiere of '156 and'714 is also of a long-line type construction and the zipper fastener ofboth '156 and '714 is in the waist area.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,249 discloses a combination brassiere and pantygirdle. The upper portion is a longline brassiere, which overlaps thepanty girdle and is releasably attached to it by a plurality of snapsattached to the upper and lower portions at a location approximatelywaist level. Others have shown similar arrangements with variousfastening methods, for example U.S. Pat. No. 1,625,664; U.S. Pat. No.1,966,973; U.S. Pat. No. 2,010,592; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,525,666.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,500 (Hampton) teaches a combination brassiere andundergarment with removable cups. The undergarment may be atorso-covering garment, a midriff support, or a girdle, and is aone-piece sheath coming together in a seam at the front of the garment.Underwires made of metal or plastic and having fasteners are provided onthe upper end of the undergarment, to which the breast-supporting cupsare removably attached.

While the prior art garments have provided shaping of the body, thecomfort of the garments are somewhat questionable. In particular, thosegarments with overlapping of the brassiere and bottom portions at thewaist cause a bulk of fabric that is both uncomfortable and visiblethrough the wearer's clothing. Also, the nature of the prior artgarments is such that the garments are stiff and usually comprisestiffening structures such as reinforced stitching, bones, stays or thelike. The '500 structure is particularly rigid in the breast area, andwould likely allow no relative torsion movement between the upper torsoand the waist. The prior art garments diminish the free body movement ofthe wearer and reduce the wearer's comfort level. Furthermore, suchreinforcing structures may cause pinching, chaffing, rubbing, and/orgeneral discomfort for the wearer.

Some progress in this area was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,414(Freeman), which describes a full body hosiery garment that includes apanty portion and a camisole portion attached at the waist. The camisoleportion may be connected to the panty portion along an upper edgethereof by a sewing technique or by releasable fasteners. However, '414is formed as hosiery and does not provide significant support andshaping to the body.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (Balit) describes a seamless swimsuit liner orundergarment. The garment provides shaping of and firm support to thebody through various stitching patterns. As the undergarment of Balit isan integral garment, it does not allow for interchanging of brassiereand bottom support structure. Therefore, such a garment cannotaccommodate variations in body types.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composite support system. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a composite supportsystem having improved versatility.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite supportsystem.

The present invention provides a composite support system comprising:

-   -   (a) a body garment having an upper edge along which is provided        one, or more than one first fastener; and    -   (b) a brassiere portion having at least a bra base, two breast        supporting cups each with a lower edge, and one, or more than        one second fastener along the lower edge of the breast        supporting cups, along the bra base, or any combination thereof,        said second fastener complementary to the first fastener,        The complementary joining of the one, or more than one first and        second fasteners releasably attaches the lower edge of the        breast supporting cups, the bra base, or a combination thereof,        of the brassiere portion to the upper edge of the body garment.

The present invention also provides the composite support system definedabove, wherein the body garment is a midsection support structure. Themidsection support system may be a panty midsection support structure ora body slip midsection support structure. The midsection supportstructure may also be a long-leg panty midsection support structure, acapri midsection support structure, a thong midsection supportstructure, or a camisole midsection support structure.

The present invention pertains to the composite support system definedabove, wherein the one, or more than one first and second fasteners arecomplementary invisible zipper fasteners.

The present invention is also directed to the method as described above,wherein the midsection support structure is a seamless structure. Theseamless support structure may comprise a maximum support stitch, amedium support stitch, a soft selection area stitch, or a combinationthereof. The maximum support stitch is used at the mid-section, anchorportions around buttocks, rear, portions around legs, or hip portions,or a combination thereof; the medium support stitch is used in the waistand rear portions, or around legs, or a combination thereof; and thesoft selection area stitch is used in the bust, buttock, or crotch areasor a combination thereof.

The present invention is also directed to the composite support systemas just described, wherein the bra base does not extend lower than about3 cm from the lower edge of the breast supporting cups.

The body garment and brassiere portion of the present invention areadvantageously constructed so that various sizes of each are compatible.For example, different sizes of brassiere portions may be releasablyattached to a given size body garment; alternatively, different sizes ofbody garments may be releasably attached to a given size brassiereportion. Therefore, the composite support system of the presentinvention is versatile, in that it accommodates various body types.Additionally, the body garments and brassiere portions may be providedin a variety of colours, which allows mixing and matching of both sizesand colours.

The construction of the composite support structure, and the placementof the one, or more than one first and second fasteners, in the presentinvention prevents the accumulation of a bulk of fabric at the waist, asseen in several prior art garments. This increases the comfort level ofthe wearer and renders the garment invisible through the wearer'sclothing. In addition, location of attachment of the brassiere portionto the body garment allows free movement of the wearer without unduedistortion of the composite support structure or the body, which mayprevent pinching, chaffing, rubbing, and/or general discomfort for thewearer.

This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe allnecessary features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent fromthe following description in which reference is made to the appendeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1A-F shows a schematic diagram of various embodiments of thecomposite support system according to the present invention, withdifferent types of support areas shown in different types of shading.FIG. 1A is one embodiment of the present invention, showing front andback views of a classic panty-type body garment. FIG. 1B shows a secondembodiment of the present invention, showing front and back views of abody slip-type support garment. FIG. 1C shows another embodiment of thepresent invention, showing front and back views of a long-leg-type bodygarment. FIG. 1D shows yet another embodiment of the present invention,a front view of a Capri-type body garment. FIG. 1E shows a fifthembodiment of the present invention, showing front and back views of athong-type body garment. FIG. 1E shows still another embodiment of thepresent invention, showing front and back views of a camisole-type bodygarment.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of various embodiments of the brassiereaccording to the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram ofa brassiere portion with non-removable shoulder straps 80. FIG. 2B showsa schematic diagram of another embodiment of the brassiere portion withremovable shoulder straps 80, such that the brassiere may be convertedto a strapless brassiere. FIG. 2C shows a schematic diagram of yetanother embodiment of the brassiere portion as a strapless brassiere.

FIG. 3A shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the compositesupport system according to the present invention, with the body garmentand brassiere portion releasably attached. FIG. 3B shows a schematicdiagram of the composite support system of FIG. 2A with the body garmentand brassiere portion detached. FIG. 3C shows a schematic diagram ofanother embodiment of the composite garment according to the presentinvention, with the body garment and brassiere portion detached. FIG. 3Dshows a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the compositesupport system according to the present invention, with the body garmentand brassiere portion detached.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a composite support system. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a composite supportsystem having improved versatility.

The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of exampleonly and without limitation to the combination of features necessary forcarrying the invention into effect.

With reference to the figures, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided composite support system 10 (e.g. FIGS.1A-D), comprising:

-   -   (a) a body garment, for example 22 or 24, having an upper edge        25 along which is provided one, or more than one first fastener        (110, e.g. FIGS. 3B-3C); and    -   (b) a brassiere portion 30 having at least a bra base (50, or 60        and 70) two breast supporting cups 40 each with a lower edge 35        and one, or more than one second fastener 120 along the lower        edge 35 of the breast supporting cups 40, along the bra base        (50, or 60 and 70), or any combination thereof, the second        fastener 120 complementary to the first fastener 110.        The complementary joining of the one, or more than one first and        second fasteners reversably attaches the lower edge of the        breast supporting cups, the bra base, or a combination thereof,        of the brassiere portion to the upper edge of the body garment.

By the term “composite support system” or “composite garment”, it ismeant a garment comprising at least two pieces, a body garment, and atop garment or brassiere portion, that are joined together at one ormore than one location.

The bottom portion of the composite support system according to thepresent invention is a body garment or a body suit (for example 22,FIGS. 1 and 3B-3D). By the terms “body garment” or “body suit”, it ismeant any suitable midsection and lower body-covering garment. The bodygarment may cover at least the midsection and the buttocks, and mayoptionally cover part or all of the thighs or legs (e.g. FIGS. 1A-E).The body garment may also cover the midsection and part of the buttocks(e.g. FIG. 1F). For example, but without wishing to be limiting, thebody garment may be a midsection support structure or a slip garment(e.g. FIG. 1D). Preferably, the body garment is a seamless midsectionsupport structure, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120(Balit; which is incorporated herein by reference).

By “midsection support structure” it is meant a garment thatsubstantially controls the shape of the wearer in a desired manner inorder to, for example, enhance appearance. The support structureprovides sculpting control of the mid-section (stomach), buttocks,thigh, or a combination of these areas. It is to be understood that themidsection support structure of the present invention covers at leastthe loin and mid-section areas of the torso. However, the supportstructure of the present invention may also comprise a garment thatprovides support to the buttock, thigh and/or leg areas. Examples ofsuch different garments, which again are not to be considered limitingin any manner, include:

-   -   a combined mid-section-loin-buttock support and panty girdle;    -   a combined mid-section-loin-buttock support and long-leg girdle;    -   a combined mid-section-loin-buttock support and Capri girdle;    -   a combined mid-section-loin support and thong;    -   a camisole; and    -   a body slip.

It is preferred that the midsection support structure as described aboveshould provide support and control to the body. The areas of the bodythat typically require sculpting control and support include the bust,the mid-section, loin, and buttock regions, or any combination thereof.As will be seen below, the bust region will be supported by a separategarment that is removably attached to the body garment.

Preferably, the midsection support structure is a unitary garment, andmay be of any suitable construction. For example and without wishing tobe limiting in any manner, the midsection support structure may beconstructed of a number of panels that are joined together at seams,similar to the girdle-type constructions known in the art. Preferably,the midsection support structure is a seamless garment, for example asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (which is incorporated herein byreference). The composite support structure of the present invention mayalso comprise a midsection support structure containing alternateelements for providing support or rigidity, for example, stitching orreinforced seams, bones, stays, frames, wires, or other similarstructures known in the art.

By the term “seamless”, it is meant a midsection support structure thatis produced in a single sleeve, with no seams. A non-limiting example ofsuch a garment may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

The seamless support structure may incorporate different types ofstitches, different use of yarns, or a combination thereof. The variousstitches and yarns should be used in appropriate areas, in order thatthe stitch gives the appropriate control as needed for each separatearea. For example, different stitches and/or yarns can be used for:

-   -   maximum support areas such as the stomach, anchor portions        around buttocks, and rear portions around legs, and hip        portions;    -   medium support areas including the waist and rear portions        around legs;    -   intermediate support areas are used between maximum support and        very soft selection areas, for example in the front areas around        legs and area around buttocks;    -   soft selection areas including the buttock and crotch areas; and    -   band areas including the waistband.

For example, but without wishing to be limiting in any manner, properselection of stitches for the above areas may provide for the followingresults: the band area, for example on the waist, compresses the area toprovide additional support of the support structure to keep the completesupport structure in place without cutting the figure. Similarly,maximum support stitches within the mid-section, hips and rear portionsaround legs provide very efficient shaping of those areas in combinationwith soft areas on buttocks and intermediate support areas aroundbuttocks, without being uncomfortable to the user. This way, thebuttocks are shaped to give them a natural look, and in the same timethey are supported around in gradual manner. Anchor portions (maximumsupport areas) of a generally symmetrical T-shape configuration arelocated in the crack between the cheeks of buttocks and allow to bringup the whole buttock area, yet functions in a discreet manner in that ithides the fact that there is support providing the desired figure. Thesymmetrical T-shaped anchor portions have a tendency to be pulled toeach other, thus facilitating the lifting and shaping of buttock areasinto a naturally looking form. Other combinations of degree of supportand body area may be used, as desired. Various embodiments of thecombination of different areas of support are shown in FIGS. 1A-F usingdifferent types of shading. The different stitches and different yarnsused to create the areas of varying support may be, but are not limitedto, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (incorporated herein byreference).

Alternatively, the midsection support structure could be of aconstruction similar to that described above, but may comprise one, ormore than one seam. For example, but without wishing to be limiting, thegarment may be of one piece, but provided with one seam along the back,front or side of the garment; alternatively, the garment may be of twopieces, provided with one seam along each side, or in front and back.

Regardless of the construction of the midsection support structure, itis to be desired that external forces exerted on the body do notunnecessarily distort the garment. As force is exerted on a controlledpart of the body when the support structure is in use, the supportstructure may also control other parts of the body so that the displacedflesh does not appear elsewhere. Furthermore, the midsection supportstructure may include additional elements, for example but withoutwishing to be limiting, edging tape stitched onto the garment around thelegs, a closure in the gusset, or other elements for convenience orcomfort.

Alternatively, the body garment could be a loose-fitting slip garment.The slip may be of any construction that is known in the art. Generally,a slip is a tubular skirt, is loose fitting, and is made of any materialknown in the art appropriate for the intended purpose.

The body garment has an upper edge (25, e.g. FIGS. 3A-3D), which iscomplementary in shape to the lower edge (35, e.g. FIGS. 3A-3D) of thetop portion of the composite garment.

The top portion of the composite garment of the present invention is abrassiere portion (30, e.g. FIGS. 3A-3D). The brassiere portion providessupport to the bust region. The construction of the brassiere portion ofthe present invention will be well known to those of skill in the art.The brassiere may be constructed of any suitable material in anysuitable style and should include at least a pair of breast supportingcups (40) and a bra base (e.g. 50, FIG. 3D; or 60 and 70 FIG. 3B). Thebra base encircles the upper torso on a level with, or just below thelevel of the breasts, as is known in the art; it may be provided as acontinuous or discontinuous length. Without wishing to be limiting inany manner, in the case where the bra base provided is discontinuous, afront panel may be attached between the breast supporting cups, andside/back panels may be attached on either side of the cups.Alternatively, the panels may be sewn together to form a singlecontinuous bra base, which is attached to the lower edge of the breastsupporting cups (FIG. 3D). In another example, the continuous bra basemay be constructed of a single panel. The bra base may have a closure,either in the front or back, which may be, but is not limited to ahook-and-eye closure.

The breast supporting cups are attached to the bra base in any mannerknow in the art. In a non-limiting example, the cups may be sewn to thebra base, or may form an integral part of the bra base such as, but notlimited to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (incorporatedherein by reference). Furthermore, the breast supporting cups may bepadded, for example as in a push-up bra, or they may be soft cups.

Regardless of the construction of the bra base, it should be confined tothe breast region of the torso, and should not extend to the waist.Generally, the bra base of the brassiere portion should not extend morethan 5 cm from the lowermost portion of the breast supporting cups. Forexample, the brassiere portion may extend about 0 to about 5 cm from thelowermost portion of the breast supporting cups, or about 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,or 5 cm from the lowermost portion of the breast supporting cups. Thebrassiere portion of the present invention is not intended to encompassa longline brassiere.

The brassiere may also be provided with underwires along the lower edgeof the breast supporting cups, in a manner known in the art, to provideadditional support. The brassiere portion may (e.g. FIGS. 2A-2B; 3A-3B)or may not (e.g. FIGS. 1A-1D; 2C) have shoulder straps 80 that connectto the bra base in the front and back in the customary way, or theshoulder straps may be removable or interchangeable. It is a feature ofthe present invention that the brassiere portion is a functioning entityand may be worn separately from the bottom, or body garment, portion.

The brassiere portion 30 and the body garment 20 are releasably attachedfrom each other by one, or more than one fastener 100. According to thepresent invention, the fastener may be any suitable fastener known inthe art, including, but not limited to a zipper, snaps, hook and loopfasteners for example, Velcro™, traditional metal or plastichook-and-eye type fasteners, lacings, or the like. As will be recognizedby a person of skill in the art, the types of fasteners appropriate forthe present invention are those comprising two complementary components.In this case, one part of the one, or more than one fastener will bereferred to as a “first fastener” 110, while the complementary portionwill be referred to as “second fastener” 120. It should be noted thatpermanent fasteners, such as seams, are to be avoided.

The one, or more than one first fastener is provided along the upperedge 25 of the body garment (e.g. see FIGS. 3B-3D). The one, or morethan one second fastener is provided below the breast supporting cups ofthe brassiere portion 30. By the term “below”, it is meant that the on,or more than one second fastener may be provided along the lower 35 edgeof the breast supporting cups, on or along the bra base, or anycombination thereof. For example but without wishing to be limiting inany manner, the one, or more than one second fastener may be locatedalong the lower edge 35 of the breast supporting cups (FIGS. 3B-3C),which may coincide with the seams attaching the cups to the bra base. Inanother non-limiting example, the one, or more than one second fastenermay be provided along the bra base (FIG. 3D). In this arrangement, thesecond fastener(s) may be placed at any location along the width of thebra base; for example, the one, or more than one second fastener may ormay not contour the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, or may beprovided along upper or lower edge of the bra base, or any combinationthereof. Regardless of where the second fastener(s) is provided on thebrassiere portion, it is important that the placement of the one or morethan one second fastener complement the placement of the one, or morethan one first fastener, such that complementary joining of the firstand second fastener(s) can occur without distortion or bunching of thebody garment or brassiere portion.

The one, or more than one first and second fasteners may join thebrassiere portion and the body garment in the front, in the back, or acombination thereof. For example, the one, or more than one secondfastener may be provided along the entire length, or a portion of thelength, of the bra base; in such an arrangement, the one, or more thanone first fastener would be located along the entire upper edge of thebody garment, or a portion thereof. Also, the one, or more than onesecond fastener may be provided along the entire length of the loweredge of the breast supporting cups and/or bra base, or a portionthereof. As distortion or bunching of the body garment or brassiereportion is to be avoided, a preferred placement of the one, or more thanone first and second fasteners is along the front of the compositegarment.

Along the inside of the garment may be provided a fabric, which preventscontact of the joined one or more than one fastener with the skin of thewearer. Thus, any discomfort to the wearer may be reduced.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the fasteners asdescribed above allow for complementary joining of the one or more thanone first and second fasteners. Upon complementary joining of the one,or more than one first and second fasteners, the body garment andbrassiere portion become releasably attached. Therefore, the brassiereportion can be removed from the body garment and replaced, at will.Also, the brassiere portion and body garment may be interchanged; forexample, but without wishing to be limiting in any manner, differenttypes, colours, or sizes of brassiere portions can be removably attachedto a given body garment, or different types, colours, or sizes of bodygarments can be removably attached to a given brassiere portion. Itshould also be understood that the fasteners on the body garment and thebrassiere portion must remain in complementary positions regardless ofthe type, colour, or size of each portion.

The support structure of the present invention may also be provided as aswimsuit, a swimsuit liner, or a combination thereof. In a non-limitingexample, the brassiere portion may be provided as a swimsuit top, whilethe body garment is a swimsuit liner that is covered by the swimsuitouter material; alternatively, the body garment may be provided as aswimsuit bottom.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A to 1F show various embodimentsof the composite garment 10 of the present invention:

-   -   a brassiere portion 30 with a classic panty midsection support        structure 22 (FIG. 1A);    -   a brassiere portion 30 with a body slip midsection support        structure 22 (FIG. 1B);    -   a brassiere portion 30 with a long-leg panty midsection support        structure 22 (FIG. 1C);    -   a brassiere portion 30 with a Capri midsection support structure        24 (FIG. 1D);    -   a brassiere portion 30 with a thong midsection support structure        24 (FIG. 1E);    -   a brassiere portion 30 with a camisole midsection support        structure 24 (FIG. 1F);

While the brassiere portion 30 is shown in FIG. 1 with shoulder straps,it is to be understood that various types of brassiere are contemplatedfor use in the present invention. FIGS. 2A-2C show non-limitingembodiments of the brassiere portion 30; for example, a brassiere withstraps (FIG. 2A), a brassiere with detachable straps (FIG. 2B), or astrapless brassiere (FIG. 2C) may be suitable for use in the presentinvention. Furthermore, the brassiere portion 30 may be any type ofbrassiere, for example, but not limited to a push-up bra, a soft-cupbra, a seamless bra, or a padded or unpadded bra.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3Ashows the composite garment 10 with the body garment and brassiereportion 30 attached, while FIG. 3B shows these components detached. Thepanty midsection support structure 22 (body garment) may be providedwith two invisible zipper first fasteners 110 (with the carriage) alongits upper edge 25 and a closure at the gusset (not shown). Complementaryzipper second fasteners 35 are provided along the lower edge 35 of thebreast supporting cups 40 of the brassiere portion 30. The first andsecond zipper fasteners 110, 120 join in a complementary fashion toreleasably attach the brassiere portion 30 to the panty midsectionsupport structure 22. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the brassiere portion 30 alsohas a bra base 50 that is discontinuous and defined by the front panel60 and side/back panels 70. Shoulder straps 80 with double end hooksattach the breast supporting cups 40 to the side/back panels 70 and tothe back of the panty midsection support structure 22. A back closure 90provides means for attaching the bra base 50 around the wearer's torso.As can be seen in FIG. 3A, when the brassiere portion 30 and pantymidsection support structure 22 are removably attached by fasteners 100,the upper edge 25 of the panty midsection support structure 22 iscomplementary to the lower edge 35 of the breast supporting cups 40 andthe top edge of the front panel 60.

An alternative method of reversibly fastening the body garment and thebrassiere portion is shown in FIG. 3C. The brassiere portion 30 and thepanty midsection support structure 22 have a construction as describedabove, except for the placement of the complementary second and firstfasteners, 120 and 110, respectively. In this embodiment, a singleinvisible zipper fastener 110 (i.e. the first fastener), with carriage,is provided along the upper edge of the panty midsection supportstructure 22. A complementary zipper fastener 120 (i.e. the secondfastener) is provided along the lower edge 35 of the breast supportingcups 40 and the lower edge of the front panel 60. As can be readilydetermined from the figure, the upper edge 25 of the panty midsectionsupport structure 22 is complementary to the lower edge 35 of thebrassiere portion 30.

In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 3D, the bra base 50 of thebrassiere portion 30 is a continuous bra base 50. As previouslydescribed, the continuous bra base 50 may be constructed of one panel,or of more than one panel sewn together. The panty midsection supportstructure 22 is constructed as previously described, with a singleinvisible zipper fastener 110 (i.e. the first fastener) provided on itsupper edge 25. A complementary zipper fastener 120 (i.e. the secondfastener) is provided along the lower edge 35 of the continuous bra base50. Again, the upper edge 25 of the panty midsection support structure22 is complementary to the lower edge of the brassiere portion 30.

The body garment and brassiere portion of the present invention are soconstructed that various sizes of each are compatible. For example,different sizes of brassiere portions may be releasably attached to agiven size body garment; alternatively, different sizes of body garmentsmay be releasably attached to a given size brassiere portion. Therefore,the composite support system of the present invention is versatile, inthat it accommodates various body types. Additionally, the body garmentsand brassiere portions may be provided in a variety of colours, whichallows mixing and matching of both sizes and colours.

The construction of the composite support structure, and the placementof die one, or more than one first and second fasteners, in the presentinvention prevents the accumulation of a bulk of fabric at the waist, asseen in several prior art garments. This increases the comfort level ofthe wearer and renders the garment invisible through the wearer'sclothing. In addition, location of attachment of the brassiere portionto the body garment allows free movement of the wearer without unduedistortion of the composite support structure or the body, which mayprevent pinching, chaffing, rubbing, or general discomfort for thewearer.

The above description is not intended to limit the claimed invention inany manner. Furthermore, the discussed combination of features might notbe absolutely necessary for the inventive solution.

1. A composite support system, comprising: (a) a body garment having anupper edge along which is provided one, or more than one first fastener;and (b) a brassiere portion having at least a bra base, two breastsupporting cups each with a lower edge, and one, or more than one secondfastener along the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, along thebra base, or any combination thereof said second fastener complementaryto the first fastener, said brassiere portion releasably attached by thelower edge of the breast supporting cups, the bra base or a combinationthereof, to the upper edge of the body garment by complementary joiningof the one, or more than one first and second fasteners.
 2. Thecomposite support system of claim 1, wherein the body garment is amidsection support structure.
 3. The composite support system of claim2, wherein the midsection support structure is a panty midsectionsupport structure.
 4. The composite support system of claim 2, whereinthe midsection support structure is a body slip midsection supportstructure.
 5. The composite support system of claim 2, wherein themidsection support structure is a long-leg panty midsection supportstructure.
 6. The composite support system of claim 2, wherein themidsection support structure is a capri midsection support structure. 7.The composite support system of claim 2, wherein the midsection supportstructure is a thong midsection support structure.
 8. The compositesupport system of claim 2, wherein the midsection support structure is acamisole midsection support structure.
 9. The composite support systemof claim 1, wherein the one, or more than one first and second fastenersare complementary invisible zipper fasteners.
 10. The composite supportsystem of claim 2, wherein the midsection support structure is aseamless structure.
 11. The composite support system of claim 10,wherein the seamless structure comprises a maximum support stitch, amedium support stitch, a soft selection area stitch, or a combinationthereof, wherein said maximum support stitch is used at the mid-section,anchor portions around buttocks, rear, portions around legs, or hipportions, or a combination thereof, said medium support stitch is usedin the waist and rear portions, or around legs, or a combinationthereof; and said soft selection area stitch is used in the bust,buttock, or crotch areas or a combination thereof.
 12. The compositesupport system of claim 1, wherein the bra base does not extend furtherthan about 3 cm from the lower edge of the breast supporting cups.